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Student Health Insurance Explained:

How can a student in college get health insurance with a Student Insurance Plan?

There are several different types of student plans that can allow college students to get the coverage they need, whether their school requires an insurance policy to enroll, or if their current plan does not cover them in their current area. Student Insurance is geared towards college students, allowing them to have their unique needs met effectively.

Which Doctors or Hospitals Can I Visit?

This will depend on the type of coverage that your health insurance provides. If you have an HMO plan, you will need to stay within your network. There are several new health insurance plans for students that are neither PPO or HMO and offer greater freedom in selecting a doctor.

Do healthcare services need preauthorization under student plans?

Again, this will depend on your insurance plan. The majority of health insurance providers for students do require preauthorization for certain health care services. If you are unsure about which services are covered, you can check with your insurance provider.

Who is eligible to purchase student health insurance?

Any college student, aged 17 to 29 is eligible for a student health insurance plan. Most companies require that you are a full-time student and have at least 9 credit hours per semester for eligibility.

Can a foreign exchange student get student health insurance?

Foreign exchange students that are currently living within the United States and fulfill the insurance provider's requirements for students can get a student health insurance policy.

Can I add my spouse or dependants to my policy?

Most student insurance plans will not cover spouses or dependants. However, if your spouse is also a full-time student, they may be eligible for their own policy.

Do parents need to purchase student insurance or allow their children to remain under their own policy?

This will depend on the type of coverage you currently have. If your child will be attending school outside of your HMO network, your current policy will not be effective for them. If you are concerned about this, it is a good idea to purchase a student health insurance policy for your child.

Does student health insurance provide year-round coverage?

Yes, most health insurance companies provide year-round coverage, even if you need to leave school. This coverage will last for the duration of your policy.

Does student insurance offer coverage when I am out-of-state?

As long as you stay within the United States and Canada, most student health insurance providers will offer coverage. However, your coverage will most likely not extend to foreign countries.

What will happen to my insurance if I need to switch schools?

The majority of student health insurance policies will not be tied to your school of choice. As long as you fit their requirements for a student, you should be able to maintain your coverage. You will however need to check with your insurance company to notify them of the change.

If I drop a class will I lose my coverage?

If you have paid your full premium, or if your requirements for a full-time student were met at the time you signed your policy, most insurance companies will not revoke your policy.

When I graduate will I lose my coverage?

If you have attended class for at least 31 days during your coverage period, your policy will stay in effect until the expiration date.

If I drop out of school will I lose my coverage?

Again, as long as you attended class for at least 31 days after your policy became effective, your insurance coverage will last until the policy expires.

How far in advance can I apply for student health insurance?

As soon as you are an enrolled student, you may apply for your student health insurance policy. You will need to check with your provider however to make sure that you are in compliance with their regulations for early sign-ups.

When can I expect my coverage to begin?

This will depend on your payment type. If you have paid for your policy with a credit card, it will generally become effective as soon as your payment is processed. If you have paid by check, your policy will normally become effective the day after the postmark on your envelope.

How many times can I renew my student health insurance policy?

This will depend on your insurance company. Some student health insurance providers require that renewals take place while you are an effective student, while others will stay with you for as long as they are needed.